The 30-foot mount focal point of the west side of the party tent.
Photo by Morris Malakoff

We seem to always be talking about the weather these days and with so many thunderstorms playing havoc with our party plans, it's only natural. Case in point, Friday night when the heavens cleared and the party gods smiled down on Hermann Park Conservancy.

The dieties provided a clear night and a cooling breeze just before the 500 guests' glowing look turned to sweaty, while those who watch over the much-beloved Hermann Park provided proceeds of more than $525,000, easily surpassing the night's goal.

The night was a feather in the cap for "Evening in the Park" chairs Linsay and Jeremy Radcliffe and Allison and Troy Thacker, who heralded a new generation of conservancy leadership. Just as conservancy board chair Danny David represents up-and-coming city leadership.

The evening honored Ann Kennedy, former conservancy board chair, and Phoebe Tudor, centennial campaign chair, who have stewarded the park through more than a decade of transition. David commended them for "their extraordinary dedication to this park and in particular this patch of land. Their hard work and dedication made it possible for us to be here tonight." Joining in the program praising the honorees was conservancy executive director Doreen Stoller, who deserves her fair share of credit as well.

Among guests savoring the City Kitchen dinner and heading to the plaza for dancing to the sounds of KlockWork were Susie and Sanford Criner, Cece and Mack Fowler, Bobby Tudor, Geoffrey Walker, Diane Lokey Farb, Jay Baker, Sis and Hasty Johnson, Kate Gibson, Carolyn and Jimmy Robertson, Rebecca and Michael Jusbasche, Gracie and Bob Cavnar and mayoral candidate Stephen Costello and his wife, Debbie.